"Oh, sir!" she faltered, in an unsteady voice, and feeling completely overcome. "I have done nothing to deserve such kindness. Robin has often told me about the new cottage; but I never paid much heed to what he was saying, not thinking I should have anything to do with it."
"Neither did he, my good woman. Jonathan and I have kept it a secret; and in concluding my bargain, I shall ask you to be a good neighbour to the dear old man, and look after him in his old age. He is failing sadly; and I much fear we shall not have him with us many years longer. Now go home and tell Robin about it. It will be convenient for him to be near his work; and Corrie will, I hope, get some colour into her pale cheeks in this fresh country air."
Oh, what a light heart did the glad mother carry back with her that evening to the smoky town! The distance seemed as nothing to her eager feet. Could it be really true? It must surely be a dream. But no; the sight of the two joyful faces at home when the news was told made her begin to realise the fact. Neither Robin nor his mother could sleep till late that night for thinking it over. The stern landlord might do what he pleased now; they would soon be out of his power.
The evening before the departure to the new home, Robin sat with Corrie in the old window-seat. His arms were round her, and she was looking up into the sky, watching the twinkling stars.
"Do you remember that Christmas Eve, Robin, when you told me what the bells sang about?"
"Yes, Corrie; that was a happy time for us all. God has sent us good things ever since, and now the best of all is coming. Mother need not work so hard; and you will be always in the beautiful country, instead of coming back from the green fields into this dark street. Perhaps you will get well."
Corrie looked at her helpless feet, and shook her head.
"I don't think so, Robin," she said in a grave sad tone, far beyond her years. "The doctor told mother I should never run about like other girls."
Her brother kissed her, and could make no answer. He knew it was true.
Presently the child looked up again and said, "Will going to heaven be like that, Robin?"